Alcaraz and Ruud Energize Team Europe with Stunning Doubles Triumph
Team World currently holds a 9-6 edge in San Francisco.
September 21, 2025
Photo credit: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Laver Cup
Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud reinvigorated Team Europe on the final day of the Laver Cup.
By Arthur Kapetanakis
In a thrilling start to Sunday’s play in San Francisco, Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud turned the tide for Team Europe with a crucial doubles victory. Following Team World’s dominant Saturday sweep, which left them at a commanding 9-3, Alcaraz and Ruud narrowed the gap to 9-6 in this first-to-13-point showdown, where every match on Sunday is worth three points.
The duo showcased their skill with a confident 7-6(4), 6-1 victory over Alex Michelsen and Reilly Opelka, rebounding from a 1/4 deficit in the first-set tiebreak to seize control. Remarkably, they didn’t face a single break point throughout the match, as noted by Infosys ATP Stats, though they needed to fend off 11 break points before finally securing a break early in the second set.
“We remained resilient and solid. We executed our game plan effectively, and it paid off,” Alcaraz reflected on their strategic approach.
Two key moments shaped the match. At 1/4 in the tiebreak, Team World believed they had emerged victorious from a tense rally, only to discover that Michelsen’s reflex volley had flown just long. This misstep ignited a streak of six consecutive points to clinch the set, followed by a dominant five-game sweep in the second set.
Midway through the second, Alcaraz delivered a breathtaking drop volley that left Michelsen floundering, despite being positioned close to the net.
“I often find myself brimming with ideas,” Alcaraz shared about his shot selection. “I relish making bold choices. In that moment, I felt it was the best option for me.”
